DSM

Diagnoses on Axis II start in childhood or adolescence and persist in a stable form into adulthood (there are not periods of remission). As in Axis I, a plan is needed for addressing the diagnosis given. Three questions to be considered include:

1. Are there any life-long maladaptive patterms? (In mental retardation it may not always be life long).

2. Do the identified patterns tend to cause difficulty in intimate, social or work relationships?